John Vanderlyn “...is pronounced to be the first painter that now is or
ever has been in America.” ~ Aaron Burr, 1802

“The First Artist in America” is the story of John Vanderlyn, the celebrated artist who portrayed seven American presidents, rose to fame as a 19th century neoclassical history painter, and died penniless and alone in his hometown of Kingston, New York.

“The First Artist in America” - A film by Tobe Carey, producer and director of Rails to the Catskills, The Catskill Mountain House and The World Around, Sweet Violets, and Deep Water - Building the Catskill Water System (with Robbie Dupree and the late Artie Traum).

RAILS TO THE CATSKILLS

"Romance of the Rails..." - Woodstock Times

"... an engrossing viewing experience."- Chronogram

RAILS TO THE CATSKILLS is a history of the dynamic railroad industry in the Catskills of New York State. Catskill railroads have roots in the canals of the 1820's and the post Civil War railroad boom.

RAILS TO THE CATSKILLS uses original footage, contemporary and vintage photographs, postcards, rare films, railfan-movies, newspapers and historic archives. Music is by Dick Staber and Paul Lounsbury. The film includes historians Eugene Dauner, Dale Flansburg, Robert Haines, John M. Ham, William Helmer, Evan Jennings, and Bob Mohowski.

Willow Mixed Media is a not-for-profit arts group. Since 1970,
we
have
produced films on topics of social interest and regional history.